WO2018172864A1

WO2018172864A1 - Food cutter with improved safety

Info

Publication number: WO2018172864A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/050923
Authority: WO
Inventors: José António CARVALHO DE SOUSA
Original assignee: Sersounox, Lda
Priority date: 2017-03-23
Filing date: 2018-02-15
Publication date: 2018-09-27
Also published as: PT109989B; ES2708226T1; PT3456493T; EP3456493B1; PT109989A; ES2708226T3; EP3456493A1; PL3456493T3

Abstract

This invention pertains to the field of cutters for whole pieces of food, such as a piece of meat, a fish or a piece of fish, or a piece of a meat, fish or vegetable derivative. The object of this invention is to provide a cutter (1) for a whole piece of food, comprising cutting means (5), a movable structure (2) suitable for positioning the whole piece of food and a stopper (4) arranged in such a way as to support the whole piece of food positioned on the movable structure (2), wherein the movable structure (2) moves along a first line which includes a point adjacent to the cutting means (5) and along a second line which includes at least one point in which the movable structure (2) is at a second pre-set distance further away from the cutting means (5), preventing the cut-off piece from partially breaking apart by contact with the cutting means (5).

Description

DESCRIPTION

PART CUTTER INCREASE INTEGRA WITH IMPROVED SAFETY

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention falls within the area of cutters of whole food pieces, such as a piece of meat, a fish or a piece of fish, or a piece of a meat, fish or vegetable derivative.

The present invention specifically falls within the area of cutters typically comprising cutting means, a movable structure suitable for positioning the integral food piece and a stop arranged such that it supports the integral food piece when positioned in said movable structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention finds a closer background in frozen fish saws, typically with a structure in which a band saw is positioned vertically in the center of a horizontal metal surface through it, and an operator should use his hands to in turn make cross a food piece like a frozen fish through the saw. In these models, typically the only barrier between the operator's hands and the saw is a small guard bar, which covers the saw on a surface directed to the position where the operator typically stands, and which is hinged to a structure that supports the saw. band saw so that the operator can move the food piece along the band saw by cutting it into a desired portion. Not only does this type of sawing machine not provide complete operator safety, but it does not implement an automatic or semi-automatic mechanism that is not only reliable, precisely cutting the desired portion of the food part, but also facilitates the operator's operation. See the need to handle the whole food piece to be cut in the vicinity of cutting media. A safe and reliable solution has therefore been developed for cutting food items such as fresh or frozen fish, meat or meat products, fish or vegetables. The present invention thus solves these problems in a simplified and highly effective constructive manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is thus the object of the present invention a cutter (1) of an integral food piece comprising cutting means (5), a movable frame (2) suitable for positioning the intact food piece and an anvil (4) arranged to support it. the whole food piece when positioned in said movable structure (2) wherein:

- the movable structure (2) comprises a confining space suitable for securing the whole food piece with:

i. a base,

ii. an opening (6) through which a section of the whole food piece when positioned on said base is exposed to said cutting means (5) and

iii. containment means (3) of the integral food piece, being configured to move along a cutting plane disposed obliquely to the gravitational axis and consisting of a closed circuit including:

i. a first line of movement including a point at which the movable frame (2) is adjacent to the cutting means (5) and ii. a second line of movement including a point at which the movable frame (2) is at a predefined distance farther from the cutting means (5),

the stop (4) being:

i. away from a predefined portion of said cutting means (5) and

ii. arranged substantially perpendicular to the cutting plane and along the line of movement to the cutting means (5),

such that when the integral food piece is positioned in the conditioning space of the movable structure (2) through said opening (6), it abuts against the stop (4);

the cutting means (5) being arranged:

i. substantially perpendicular to said cutting plane intersecting it, and

ii. such that when the whole food piece is positioned on said base of the movable frame (2) abutting the stop (4) and the movable frame (2) is moved along the first movement line, the whole food piece is cut off. to the extent of said predefined portion.

The present invention thus makes it possible to semi-automatically or automatically cut a whole food piece such as a meat piece more easily and safely for an operator, avoiding that after cutting the piece - in the return movement to a new cutting position - the piece feed passes again next to the cutting means (5), which may cause the part to undo part of its cut surface in the encounter with the cutting means (5). Accordingly, movement in a circuit comprising a position closer to the cutting means (5) (and the stop (4)) - where the cutting takes place - and a position further away from the cutting means (5) (and the stop) (4)) - wherein the movable structure (2) returns to a position initial re-cutting - this inconvenience does not occur, which deteriorates the quality of the whole food piece to be cut. Preferably, the cutting means (5) are at a predefined and fixed second distance from the movable frame (2) as it moves over the first line of movement. This distance is typically at least 3 mm.

The cutting plane is a plane oblique to the gravitational axis along which the movable structure (2) moves. For measuring such reference, a base supporting said cutter elements (1), arranged perpendicular to the gravitational axis is considered. The movable structure (2) is also disposed obliquely to the gravitational axis to the same extent as the cutting plane. This allows, when an integral food piece is placed in the movable structure (2), specifically at its base, to gravity slide by means of the movable structure (2) itself being disposed obliquely to the gravitational axis to the same extent as the gravity axis. cutting plan. The references to the gravitational axis are therefore intended to refer to a vertical reference.

In an advantageous mode of the cutter (1) of the present invention it further comprises reversing locking means configured to prevent the direction of movement of the movable frame (2) from being reversed after it exceeds the point of the first line of movement intersecting the means. cutting (5). This complements and enhances the aforementioned functionality by requiring unidirectionality as an operator is unable to retreat in the movement of the movable structure (2) which is limited to a single direction. Thus, when the cutting position of the whole food piece is exceeded, the only possibility is to proceed with the movement to the predefined second distance farther from the cutting means (5), making it impossible for the piece to come into contact with. the cutting means (5) before naturally continuing to travel through the closed circuit and finding said cutting means (5) in the most suitable position for a clean cut. In another advantageous mode of the cutter (1) of the present invention, combined with any of the above, said movable frame base (2) comprises two joined and transverse surfaces (7), preferably perpendicular to each other, both disposed obliquely. to the cutting plane and conforming the opening (6) such that when the whole food piece is positioned on said surfaces (7) it finds a point of lower potential energy, touching the stop (4) and being exposed to said surfaces. cutting means (5). Said joined and transverse surfaces (7) are disposed obliquely to the cutting plane along a longitudinal axis as shown in Fig. 1.

This allows the part to find - by said base configuration on which it is positioned - a point of lowest potential energy without the need for more careful positioning by the operator, which could lead to the need for base operation and therefore interaction with the base. the equipment during cutting. Figure 1 demonstrates how the present specific configuration allows for less machine operation and therefore greater operator safety. In another advantageous mode of the cutter (1), said containment means (3) of the integral food piece consists of a movable tongs (3) configured to move between an opening position (6) which is spaced from the base of the frame. (2) and a closure position which is closest to the base of the movable structure (2), preferably its configuration in the closing position such that it approaches the base of the movable structure (2) until the reaction by any obstacle it encounters is greater than a predefined limit.

This also ensures greater automatism and less need for operator interaction, thus ensuring greater safety. The tweezers Movable (3) ensures that the equipment secures the entire food piece without the operator having to hold the piece, so that the food piece may have to be handled near the cutting means (5), which typically leads to accidents. . In an advantageous manner from that immediately described above, comprising a movable clip (3), it is configured to automatically switch from the closing position to the opening position (6) when the movable frame (2) finishes traversing the second movement line, and to automatically move from the opening position (6) to the closing position when the movable frame (2) begins to travel the first movement line.

This enables the cutter (1) of the present invention to operate semi-automatically without the need for the operator - at any stage - to move the whole food piece from a first position where it cannot be cut by the cutting means (5) to a position. second position where this may occur. The movable tongs (3) and their operation, in conjunction with the oblique arrangement of the base of the movable structure (2) relative to the gravitational axis, promote that when the whole food piece moves by gravity until it meets the stop (4) , when not being pressed by the movable forceps (3). This occurs at the end of the closed loop, ie when the second movement line has just been traversed. This is an improved mode for operator safety.

In another advantageous mode of the cutter (1) of the present invention, combined with any of the foregoing, it comprises manipulation means comprising two handles (8) suitable for actuation by an operator:

- a first handle (8) integral with an inertial structure supporting the cutting means (5) and

- a second handle (8) integral with the movable frame (2). This enables an operator to move the movable frame (2) relative to the cutting means (5) with greater ease and safety, as on the one hand can move the whole food piece - through the second handle (8) - without need contacting said part and, on the other hand, can be supported by the first handle (8), which is integral with the cutting means (5) and with an inertial structure, therefore not moving.

In an advantageous manner from that immediately described above, comprising first and second handles (8), these comprise hand interaction sensing means an operator and the cutter (1) further comprises a locking element configured to stop the operation of the cutting means. (5) where at least the two said interaction detecting means of an operator do not simultaneously detect an interaction with the hands of an operator, ie when there is no simultaneous detection on both handles (8).

This gives an even greater degree of safety to the cutter (1) of the present invention as the cutting means (5) do not operate - therefore no accident can occur - if the operator is not interacting with both handles (8). ). However, this inherently prevents the operator from being at the same time able to position either hand in the vicinity of the cutting means (5).

In a preferred mode of the cutter (1) of the present invention, combined with any of the foregoing, the cutter (1) is a sawmill, the cutting means (5) being a band saw (5). As mentioned above, the sawmill is equally perpendicular to the cutting plane.

It is a further object of the present invention to use the cutter (1) as described above or subsequently in slicing a food piece whole consisting of a piece of meat, a fish or a piece of fish, or a piece of a derivative of fish, meat or vegetable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 - perspective view of an embodiment of the cutter (1) of the present invention, specifically consisting of a sawmill (the cutting means (5) consist of a band saw), with a closed movable structure (2) being visible, with an opening (6) and a base, which base comprises two joined and transverse surfaces. The cutting plane (and movable frame (2)) is at an angle of about 45 ° to the gravitational axis. The stop (4) comprises preset portion adjusting means separating the stop (4) from the cutting means (5). Also visible are the two knobs (8), one integral with a frame housing the saw and one integral with the movable frame (2). The confinement means (3) consist of a movable forceps (3), which operates according to the principles described above and below.

Figure 2 - Detailed representation of the embodiment of the cutter (1) / sawmill of Figure 1, explaining the characteristics of the movable structure (2). Figure 3 - Side view of the embodiment of Figure 1. This view clearly demonstrates the embodiment in which the section plane - indicated with an arrow - and the movable structure (2) are at an angle of about 45 ° to the gravitational axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

More general advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the Summary of the invention. These configurations are detailed below in accordance with other advantageous and / or preferred embodiments of the present invention. In a preferred mode of the cutter (1) of the present invention, it is configured for the first movement line and the second movement line to be semi-straight. Thus, the movement of the movable structure (2) forms a line - the first line of movement - in which it encounters the cutting means (5), thereby cutting off a portion of the whole food piece. In both the first movement line and the second movement line, the respective distances to the cutting means are maintained.

In a preferred mode from that immediately described above, the closed plane of the cutting plane whereby the movable structure (2) is configured to move as a rectangular figure comprising i) two larger sides corresponding to the first line of movement and the second movement line and (ii) two smaller sides whose length corresponds to the distance between the two said movement lines. Thus, both after termination of movement along the first movement line and along the second movement line, the movable structure (2) moves in the closest path between the two (a straight line) and the closed loop conforms accordingly. a rectangular figure. In a specific and preferred implementation of the immediately described embodiment, the cutter (1) further comprises a platform on which the movable structure (2) is supported and on which it is movable according to the cutting plane, which preferably comprises at least one cylinder and two guides suitable for moving said platform and movable frame (2) assembly between the first movement line and the second movement line. This is a specific implementation of the more general embodiment of the present invention by implementing the movable frame (2) away from the cutting means (5) and the stop (4) to the second predefined distance. In a specific and preferred embodiment of the immediately described embodiment, the movable frame (2) of the cutter (1) is supported on said platform by at least one wheel, preferably two, and said platform comprises a parallel steering axle. to the first movement line and the second movement line to which the movable structure (2) is coupled. This ensures smooth and easy movement of the movable frame (2) along the first and second movement lines.

In another specific embodiment of the cutter (1) of the present invention, combined with any of the above, at least one of said two joined and transverse surfaces (7):

- is smooth or contains a plurality of protuberances on at least part of its surface and / or

a limit disposed against the stop (4) and adjacent to the opening (6) comprises a ramp suitable for adding friction to the integral food piece.

In case the movable structure (2) any of said surfaces (7) contain a plurality of protrusions, this is intended to decrease the contact surface with the integral food part - as a result of the protrusions - and thus to reduce the friction with the part. especially useful for fresh fish, with greater friction to said surfaces (7).

On the other hand, said ramp is intended to increase friction with said surfaces (7), being especially useful for frozen fish.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, combined with any of the foregoing, the movable structure (2) comprises a closed space comprising the confining space, the base and the opening (6) comprising a second opening opposite said opening. (6), suitable for for the user to hold the whole food piece. Such a second opening is visible in Figures 1 and 2.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, combined with any of the above, the cutting plane disposed obliquely to the gravitational axis whereby the movable structure (2) is configured to move at an angle to the gravitational axis 40-50. °, preferably 45 °.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, combined with any of the above, the stop (4) comprises adjusting means such that the first predefined distance from its spacing to said confining space opening (6) is adjustable. This makes it possible to better match the type of food item to be cut, for example by tailoring the fish slices to be cut as they are suitable for frying - thinner, shorter pre-set first distance - or for cooking - thicker, longer default first distance.

In a specific configuration of the cutter (1) of the present invention, said movable forceps (3) contain at least one irregular, preferably toothed, face such that it is flush with the base of the movable structure (2). Preferably, the movable clip (3) comprises two toothed faces arranged parallel to the base of the movable frame (2).

In a specific embodiment of the cutter (1) of the present invention, an operator's hand interaction sensing means consists of at least two pressure sensors, each handle (8) having at least one pressure sensor. Thus, the operator will have to press both sensors of both knobs (8) simultaneously, action for which he will have to use both hands, for the cutter (1) to start operation and the cutting means (5) to operate. Otherwise, as described above, the cutting means (5) will not work, which will prevent the cutter (1) to cut. This prevents the operator from placing his hands near the cutting means (5) during the operation of the cutter (1), thereby increasing his safety. In another preferred embodiment, the cutter (1) is supported on a preferably rectangular main base, which in turn preferably comprises four feet for placement on the floor, preferably of adjustable height. This main base is positioned substantially perpendicular to the gravitational axis.

In another preferred embodiment, in a position adjacent to the cutting means (5) the stop (4) deflects away from the cutting means (5) and the movable frame (2), the cutter (1) further comprising a basket adjacent to said deflection, both of which are positioned such that when a whole food piece is cut and thus a dissociated portion of the whole food piece, that portion falls by gravity to meet the deflection of the stop (4). ), which directs it to said basket, where for example the operator may place a bag, which will gather all the cut portions. The following describes the operation of the cutter (1) of the present invention using a specific embodiment wherein the cutter (1) consists of a sawmill whose cutting means (5) consist of a band saw (5). The operator places an integral food piece like a frozen fish at the base of the movable structure (2), which base comprises two joined and transverse surfaces (7), specifically perpendicular to each other, disposed obliquely with respect to the cutting plane as defined above. These surfaces form a "V". The frozen fish, when placed under said joined surfaces (7), has a lower potential energy position being longitudinally disposed along said V and abutting the anvil (4), since the movable structure (2) is arranged obliquely with respect to the gravitational axis, whereby frozen fish find the stop (4). The stop (4) is at a distance from the movable frame (2) which corresponds to the sum of the predefined portion with the distance between the band saw (5) and the movable frame (2). The operator, adjusting the stop adjusting means (4), can adjust the predefined portion, thereby adjusting the thickness or thickness of the frozen fish fillet to be cut. The movable tongs (3) are in an open position, thus without pressing the frozen fish. The saw blade is not operating as the operator has not yet pressed the handle pressure sensors (8). Again it is noted that one handle 8 is integral with a structure supporting the band saw 5 and another handle 8 is integral with the movable structure 2, thus moving along with it along the closed circuit when operating the equipment. The cutter (1) is now ready to start cutting.

When the operator presses the pressure sensors of both knobs (8), the band saw (5) is triggered, the movable forceps (3) presses the frozen fish and the operator can push the handle (8) integral with the structure. (2) along the first line of movement. During this line, the frozen fish is pressed by the movable tongs (3) and against the stop (4). From the point of the first line of movement that intersects the band saw (5), the movement is unidirectional, whereby the operator does not have the ability to reverse the direction of movement of the moving structure (2), passing again through the band saw. tape (5). Thus, when it encounters the band saw (5), it cuts a piece of the frozen fish corresponding to the predefined portion, and the movable structure (2) then reaches the end of the first movement line, at which point the cylinder enters in action by moving the movable frame (2) to the second line of movement farthest from the band saw (5). Continuing to operate the sawmill, the operator pulls the movable frame (2) towards itself along the second drive line. In traveling along the first movement line and along the second movement line, the movable frame 2 is guided by its coupling to a parallel steering axle and is supported by two wheels on a platform. Reaching the end of the second movement line, the cylinder acts again by moving the movable frame (2) back to the first movement line, and the movable forceps (3) automatically move to its open position - not pressing frozen fish - whereby the cut piece of frozen fish moves by gravity until it reaches the stop (4).

As the movable structure (2) is again pushed through the gripping handle (8), the process is restarted and may be repeated until the desired number of frozen fish slices is cut, or no further cuts can be cut by one. the remaining frozen fish piece is less than the predefined portion.

As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described herein, and various changes which remain within the scope of the present invention are possible.

Of course, the preferred modes set forth above are combinable in different possible forms, avoiding the repetition of all such combinations here.

Claims

1. Whole food piece cutter (1) comprising cutting means (5), a movable frame (2) suitable for positioning the whole food piece and a stop (4) arranged such that it supports the whole food piece when positioned in said movable structure (2) characterized by:

- the movable structure (2) comprises a suitable confining space for securing the intact food piece with:

i. a base,

i. a first line of movement including a point at which the movable frame (2) is adjacent to the cutting means (5) and

ii. a second line of movement including a point at which the movable frame (2) is at a predefined distance farther from the cutting means (5),

- the stop (4) is:

i. away from a predefined portion of said cutting means (5) and

ii. arranged substantially perpendicular to the cutting plane and along the line of movement to the cutting means (5), such that when the integral food piece is positioned in the conditioning space of the movable structure (2) through said opening (6), it abuts against the stop (4);

- the cutting means (5) are arranged:

i. substantially perpendicular to said cutting plane intersecting it, and

Cutter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the movable structure (2) further comprises inversion locking means configured to prevent the direction of movement of the movable structure (2) from being reversed after it exceeds the point of the first line. of movement that intersects the cutting means (5).

Cutter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is configured for the first movement line and the second movement line to be semi-straight.

Cutter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the closed circuit of the cutting plane according to which the movable structure (2) is configured to move to form a rectangular figure comprising i) two larger sides corresponding to the first movement line and second movement line and (ii) two smaller sides whose length corresponds to the distance between the two said movement lines.

Cutter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it further comprises a platform on which the movable structure (2) is supported and on which it is movable according to the cutting plane, which preferably comprises at least one cylinder. and two guides suitable for moving said platform and movable frame (2) assembly between the first movement line and the second movement line.

Cutter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the movable structure (2) is supported on said platform by means of at least one wheel and said platform comprises a steering axis parallel to the first movement line and to the second line of movement to which the movable structure (2) is coupled.

Cutter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base of the movable frame (2) comprises two surfaces joined and transverse to each other (7), preferably perpendicular to each other, both arranged obliquely to the cutting plane and forming the opening (6) such that when the whole food piece is positioned on said surfaces (7) it encounters a point of lowest potential energy, abutting the stop (4) and being exposed to said cutting means (5 ).

Cutter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one of said two joined and transverse surfaces (7):

- be smooth or contain a plurality of protuberances on at least part of its surface and / or

- Its boundary arranged against the stop (4) and adjacent to the opening (6) comprises a ramp suitable for increasing friction with the integral food piece.

Cutter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable structure (2) comprises a closed space comprising the confining space, the base and the opening (6), comprising a second opening opposite to said one. opening (6).

Cutter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cutting plane disposed obliquely to the gravitational axis by which the movable structure (2) is configured to move at an angle to the gravitational axis of 40-50. °, preferably 45 °.

Cutter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop (4) comprises adjusting means such that the first predefined distance from its clearance to said opening (6) of the confinement space is adjustable.

Cutter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said containment means (3) of the integral food piece consist of a movable tongs (3) configured to move between an opening position (6) in which it is cut. it is spaced from the base of the movable frame (2) and a closing position which is closest to the base of the movable structure (2), preferably its configuration in the closing position such that it approaches the base of the movable structure (2). ) until the reaction force realized by any obstacle it encounters is greater than a predefined limit.

Cutter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the movable clamp (3) is configured to automatically switch from the closing position to the opening position (6) when the movable structure (2) finishes traversing the second line. automatically move from the opening position (6) to the closing position when the movable frame (2) begins to travel the first movement line.

Cutter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said movable forceps (3) contain at least one irregular face arranged in such a way that it is flush with the base of the movable structure (2).

Cutter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises manipulation means comprising two handles (8) suitable for operation by an operator:

- a second handle (8) integral with the movable frame (2).

Cutter (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said first and second handles (8) comprise means for detecting interaction with the hands of an operator and that the cutter (1) further comprises a locking element configured for stopping operation of the cutting means (5) whenever at least one of said operator interaction detection means does not detect any interaction with an operator's hands.

Cutter (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a sawmill, wherein the cutting means (5) consist of a band saw (5).

Use of the cutter (1) of any preceding claim for slicing a whole food piece consisting of a piece of meat, a fish or a piece of fish, or a piece of a fish, meat or vegetable derivative .